Kazakhstan proposes OTS cyber council and AI center network in Baku

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kazakhstan proposed two joint mechanisms for the Organization of Turkic States at the fifth meeting of OTS security council secretaries in Baku on September 16–18, 2026. Deputy Security Council Chair Aida Balayeva presented a Cybersecurity Council and a network of artificial intelligence centers. The proposals were discussed alongside Middle East security impacts and national AI capabilities.
Key Facts
- Kazakhstan proposed a Cybersecurity Council and a network of AI centers for the Organization of Turkic States at the fifth meeting of OTS security council secretaries in Baku on September 16–18, 2026.
- Deputy Security Council Chair Aida Balayeva represented Kazakhstan at the meeting, according to Akorda.
- Kyrgyz Security Council Secretary Adilet Orozbekov called for stronger practical cooperation and information exchange on terrorism and cyber threats at the same meeting on September 17.
- OTS security council secretaries met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on September 17 to discuss regional security and cooperation.
- Kazakhstan and Turkey signed a cybersecurity memorandum in September 2025 providing for operational exchange of incident information.
Kazakhstan's Proposals
Kazakhstan proposed creating a Cybersecurity Council and a network of artificial intelligence centers for the Organization of Turkic States. Deputy Security Council Chair Aida Balayeva presented the initiatives at the fifth meeting of OTS security council secretaries in Baku on September 16–18, 2026. The Cybersecurity Council initiative was first proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to coordinate responses to cross-border cyberattacks. The AI center network aims to connect national capabilities in artificial intelligence, which is viewed as both a technological resource and a source of new risks.
Meeting Discussions
Participants discussed the impact of Middle East events on the security of OTS member states. The meeting focused on developing national AI capabilities in the context of national security. Balayeva linked closer coordination among Turkic states to growing geopolitical instability and new international threats. Kyrgyz Security Council Secretary Adilet Orozbekov emphasized the need for practical cooperation and information exchange on terrorism, extremism, and cyber threats.
Bilateral and Regional Context
Kazakhstan and Turkey signed a cybersecurity memorandum in September 2025 providing for operational exchange of incident information and cooperation between national centers. The memorandum was open for other OTS participants to join. OTS security council secretaries met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on September 17 to discuss regional security, terrorism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, hybrid threats, and critical infrastructure protection. The informal OTS summit in Turkestan in May 2026 paid special attention to artificial intelligence and digital development.